Final answer:
Diarrhea resulting from lactase deficiency is associated with lactose intolerance, which occurs when insufficient lactase is produced in the small intestine, leading to symptoms after consuming lactose-containing products.
Step-by-step explanation:
The type of diarrhea that results from lactase deficiency is a symptom of lactose intolerance. This condition occurs when the small intestine does not produce enough lactase, the enzyme necessary for digesting lactose, the sugar found in milk. Without adequate lactase, lactose remains undigested in the intestine and is then fermented by bacteria in the large intestine, leading to gas, bloating, and diarrhea. The severity of these symptoms can vary, but they typically resolve after the lactose is eliminated through feces. For people with lactose intolerance, consuming lactose-free milk or taking lactase supplements can alleviate symptoms.
Diagnosis of lactose intolerance can be confirmed through a hydrogen breath test, which detects the hydrogen produced by the fermentation of undigested lactose by enteric bacteria. Some groups, particularly people of Asian descent and to a lesser extent Caucasians, are prone to develop lactase deficiency as they age, making lactose intolerance more common among these populations.